Contest Rules

The Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA) invites participants to undertake an Eco-Renovation that aligns with the principles of reducing waste, minimizing toxins, and lowering carbon impact. This document outlines the official rules for the competition.

1. ELIGIBILITY

• Open to individuals or teams, including designers, architects, builders, or homeowners.

• Participants must be 18 years or older.

• Projects must be completed in the United States.

2. CONTEST PERIOD

• Renovations must be completed within 30 days counted as active working days.

• Design, planning time, or days waiting for permit approvals or materials do not count toward the 30-day limit.

• Due to the contest nature of this program, all projects must be completed within the time frame given by organizers (approximately four months), and completed submissions are due by the stated deadline. “Contest period” must include design planning, permit approvals and active working days that make up the 30-days or less requirement.

3. BUDGET REQUIREMENTS

• The $30,000 budget includes only materials purchased for the renovation.

• Design or service fees (e.g., contractor, designer, or architect costs) are excluded from the budget cap.

• Participants must provide itemized receipts to validate compliance with the budget.

4. CORE PRINCIPLES

• Participants must adhere to the three guiding principles (see the Complete 30 Day | $30K Guidebook for more tips and strategies):

1. Low Waste:

• Reuse materials and refurbish existing elements.

• Recycle or donate unwanted items instead of discarding them.

• Incorporate recycled materials where possible.

2. Low Toxins:

• Use low-VOC or no-VOC paints, adhesives, and finishes.

• Select untreated,minimally treated or natural fabrics.

• Employ low-toxin cleaning products.

1. Low Carbon:

• Source materials locally to reduce transportation emissions.

• Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.

• Avoid materials with high embodied carbon whenever possible.

5. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

• Participants must document their process, including:

• Before and after photos.

• A written description of the renovation goals and outcomes. See document sample.

• Evidence of adherence to the core principles (e.g., sourcing documentation for materials).

• A final budget breakdown with receipts.

• Submissions must be uploaded to the 30-30designchallenge.com portal by the designated deadline.

6. INSTAGRAM POSTING REQUIREMENTS  

• Participants are required to post to their social media accounts: minimum of 4 posts throughout the 30 days, but are encouraged to post more.

• The following three posts are required:

1. Day 1 post showing photo(s)  “before” project begins and setting up challenge.

2. Posts during the project addressing one of the three guiding principles - low waste, low carbon, low toxins - and showing what you have done to reduce cost and waste.

3. The last post, at the end, showing the “after” photos of the final, finished product.

• Participants are required to tag contest organizers and sponsors: @TheGFDA, @Meno Home, and the 30-30 Design Challenge sponsors.

7. JUDGING CRITERIA Entries will be judged based on:

• Creativity and innovative use of materials.

• Degree of adherence to the core principles.

• Overall aesthetic and functionality of the renovation.

• Clarity and thoroughness of documentation.

8. PRIZES

• Winners will receive recognition through the GFDA’s platforms and press outreach.

• Additional prizes or sponsorships will be announced.

9. GENERAL CONDITIONS

• By participating, entrants agree to allow the GFDA to use submitted materials (photos, video, descriptions, your name/company name (if applicable) etc., for promotional purposes.

• GFDA reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the contest rules, guidelines, or behavior consistent with our professional community principles.

10. SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIPS

• Sponsored materials or donated items must be fully disclosed in the final submission.

11. CONTACT INFORMATION For questions or clarifications, contact us at Hello@thegfda.com, or visit our website at 30-30designchallenge.com